Per the State of Maryland (2.23.23): Governor Wes Moore today announced historic initiatives and investment in public safety to support rebuilding the State police force, promoting intelligence sharing and collaborative enforcement strategy, and reducing crime across Maryland. Joined by newly confirmed Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services Carolyn Scruggs and Secretary of Juvenile Services Vincent Schiraldi, the governor named Lieutenant Colonel Roland Butler as the next Maryland State Police Superintendent.
“To rebuild the State Police force, we must elevate the profession, invest in the training and development of our troopers, and do all we can to cultivate a culture that retains, advances, and rewards the most effective and ethical law enforcement professionals,” said Governor Moore. “The Maryland State Police is the vanguard of law enforcement in our state and at its best, that is what our State Police has done; and under my administration, that is the standard State Police will uphold.”
To rebuild and elevate the police force, Governor Moore defined the Maryland State Police’s mission to:
- Lead on providing cross-jurisdictional resources, intelligence, and guidance to advance public safety across the entire state
- Cultivate a culture that retains, advances, and rewards the most effective and ethical law enforcement professionals
- Renew commitment to transparency
- Work with state agencies and local partners to leverage data to promote intelligence sharing and collaborative enforcement strategy.
In the press conference today, the governor ordered all public safety agencies––including all state police agencies, Corrections, and Juvenile Services–– to produce After Action Reports when homicides or non-fatal shootings occur within their areas of responsibility.
$11 Million in supplemental funding for Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center: Governor Moore announced $11 million in funding to support the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC). With this funding, MCAC will expand staffing, conduct trainings, and invest in technology infrastructure to keep Maryland safe from cyber attacks and threats to the homeland. The investment will help create more effective collaboration and data analysis, for MCAC to develop leads on suspicious criminal activity, drive more complete and effective investigations, and close more cases.
Governor Moore also announced that MCAC and the City of Baltimore have resumed an active partnership––bringing elite intelligence and investigations capability to Maryland’s largest city and hope to communities that have been devastated by crime. MCAC staff includes members of 30 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that source intelligence from across Maryland, neighboring states, and the federal government in order to monitor and disrupt violent crime.
The $11 million in MCAC funding complements substantial public safety investment priorities in the governor’s FY24 budget, including:
- $122 million in aid to local police departments, with $17.5 million dedicated to Baltimore City
- Nearly $69 million in direct local law enforcement grants, including $5 million to protect Marylanders against hate crimes
- $35 million for Victims of Crime Act funding to provide crime victims with the assistance and services necessary to aid in their restoration after a violent criminal act.
Lt. Col. Roland Butler named Maryland State Police Superintendent: To lead the Maryland State Police and usher in this new era of law enforcement strategy, Governor Moore named Lt. Col. Roland Butler as the new Maryland State Police Superintendent. Lt. Col. Butler has nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including as Chief of the State Police Field Operations Bureau, where he led a patrol force of more than 1,000 troopers and investigative personnel assigned to 23 barracks.
“I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Maryland State Police under Governor Moore’s mission to truly improve the quality of life of citizens across the state,” said Lt. Col. Butler. “I know the task ahead of me will not be easy but I am ready, and so are the women and men of the Maryland State Police, to make an impact on our communities, and protect all Marylanders and those traveling through the state.”
During his career, Lt. Col. Butler served in both line and supervisory positions as he was promoted through the ranks, rising to become the sixth African-American lieutenant colonel in the 102-year history of the Maryland State Police. He has served on the superintendent’s staff, in the Maryland State Police Support Services Bureau Office of Equity and Inclusion, and in other positions throughout the Field Operations Bureau.
“I want to congratulate Lt. Col. Roland Butler on his appointment as the next Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. The Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City stands ready to partner with him and his agency to improve public safety in Baltimore because I fully understand that no elected official or government agency can solve this problem alone,” said State’s Attorney Bates. “Today’s announcement by Governor Moore is about increasing the resources and support needed to not only fight crime in Baltimore but deter it as well. The intelligence gathering and expertise held by MCAC are essential to our work to hold violent offenders accountable. This renewed partnership will restore intelligence and investigation proficiency, lost in years past, to assist in the crime fight.”
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are continuing to investigate a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday morning in Montgomery County. Shortly before 5:01 a.m. on Tuesday, troopers from the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack responded to the area of eastbound Interstate 495, prior to the Route 355 exit for a report of a crash involving injuries. According to a preliminary investigation, a Chevrolet Cobalt, for unknown reasons, traveled off the right side of the highway, striking an embankment and tree.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Tera King, 18, of Weejun Loop, Woodbridge, Virginia, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Montgomery County EMS personnel. The lone passenger in the car, a 20-year-old male, was transported by ambulance to Suburban Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Anyone with information related to this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack at 301-424-2101. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The Rockville City Police Department tweeted a message to residents on Wednesday morning reminding them to lock their vehicles after a recent increase in thefts. “Rockville has seen a recent uptick in theft from cars over the last few days, while many cars were left unlocked, several cars had their windows smashed as purses and other high dollar valuables were left in plain sight. Ofc Fetter is here to remind you to lock it or lose it!” In the video, Rockville Police Officer Fetter states that the department has responded to over 125 calls for thefts from vehicles since the beginning of 2023, with stolen items totaling more than $100,000 in value.
Rockville has seen a recent uptick in theft from cars over the last few days, while many cars were left unlocked, several cars had their windows smashed as purses and other high dollar valuables were left in plain sight. Ofc Fetter is here to remind you to lock it or lose it! pic.twitter.com/UfJIRmBIw0
— Rockville City Police Department (@RockvilleCityPD) February 15, 2023
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are continuing to investigate a fatal crash that occurred Monday evening in Frederick County. Shortly before 7:17 p.m. on Monday, troopers from the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack responded to the area of westbound Interstate 340 at Mt. Zion Road, for a single vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, a 2004 GMC truck was traveling south on US 15 near Mt. Zion Road. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Scarlet Estep, 60, of Virginia, for unknown reasons, entered the grass median, corrected and crossed all lanes of traffic, striking an embankment.
The lone passenger in the truck, identified as Michael Piermatteo, 57, of Virginia, was flown to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he was later pronounced deceased. Estep was transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation into this crash.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are continuing to investigate a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Thursday evening in Prince George’s County. Shortly before 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, troopers from the Maryland State Police Forestville Barrack responded to the area of Central Avenue at Campus Way in Kettering, Maryland for a report of a struck pedestrian. According to a preliminary investigation, a white truck ran the red light and struck the pedestrian, who was in the crosswalk. Investigators believe the driver left the scene, but later returned.
The pedestrian, a 34-year-old male, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was declared deceased at the scene. The road was closed for about four hours following the crash.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation in this case. Once the Crash Team’s investigation is complete, they will submit their findings to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, who will determine whether charges should be filed in this case. The case remains under investigation.
Per Prince George’s County Police: “The Prince George’s County Police Department is actively investigating a 13-year-old student at William Wirt Middle School in the unincorporated section of Hyattsville for bringing a loaded gun onto school property.
At approximately 11:40 am, a student alerted School Security that the 13-year-old was in possession of the gun while on school property. School Security located the student who admitted to bringing the gun to school but advised that he placed the handgun inside of a classroom. The loaded gun was recovered from a classroom drawer.
We are in consultation with the Department of Juvenile Services regarding the investigation.”
Per MCPD: Maryland State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a male pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening in Prince George’s County. The male is described as Hispanic, approximately 25 to 35 years old, approximately 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. He was wearing black jeans, black sneaker and a black hooded sweatshirt at the time of the crash.
Shortly before 6:25 p.m. on Jan. 31, troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack responded to the area of northbound Baltimore Avenue (US Route 1) in the area of Powder Mill Road in Beltsville, Maryland for a report of a pedestrian-involved crash.
The victim was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene. No other injuries were reported as a result of the crash. Anyone who may have information about the identity of the victim is asked to contact the College Park Barrack at 310-345-3101.
The case remains under investigation.
Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) – 3rd District Investigative Section have charged 41-year-old Harold Barnes, of Washington, D.C., with the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal carrier that occurred on Monday, January 23, 2023, in the 800 block of Hudson Ave. in Silver Spring.
The joint investigation by detectives from MCPD and U.S. Postal Inspection Service has revealed that the adult male victim was delivering mail at the location when Barnes approached him, pointed a firearm and demanded his property. The victim handed over his property to Barnes, who then left the scene.
On Saturday, January 23, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., officers from the Arlington County Police Department pulled over a stolen 2017 Hyundai Tucson and arrested the driver who was identified as Harold Barnes.
A search of Barnes’ person revealed property belonging to the victim. Officers also located items of evidentiary value inside of the stolen Hyundai.
Barnes was arrested and transported to a correctional facility in Arlington, VA, where he is currently being held without bond. He is awaiting extradition to Montgomery County for armed robbery, first-degree assault and use of firearm in the commission of violent crime.
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Per Gaithersburg Police: Detectives from the Gaithersburg Police Department – Investigative Section are investigating a shooting that occurred in the 400 block of N. Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg.
On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at approximately 6:28 a.m., officers from both the Gaithersburg Police & the Montgomery County Police Department – 6th District responded to the area of N Summit Avenue for the report of a shooting that just occurred. Officers located two adult victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers provided first-aid to both victims until Fire & Rescue personnel arrived. The victims were then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
This remains an active & ongoing investigation. Investigators ask that anyone with information about this shooting contact the Gaithersburg Police – Investigative Section at 301-258-6400. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Gaithersburg Tip Line at 301-330-4471.
Rockville City Police responded to double stabbing at the Ramada Hotel by Wyndham on Sunday evening. According to RCPD, “At approximately 6:30 p.m. RCPD responded to 3 Research Ct for a person stabbed, upon arrival a second victim was located. 2 adult males transported to hospital w/serious injures. No suspect is in custody. The investigation is ongoing – no further info is available.” We will post an update when additional information becomes available.
1/29/23 – At approximately 6:30 p.m. RCPD responded to 3 Research Ct for a person stabbed, upon arrival a second victim was located. 2 adult males transported to hospital w/serious injures. No suspect is in custody. The investigation is ongoing – no further info is available. pic.twitter.com/1Uot6BtoA0
— Rockville City Police Department (@RockvilleCityPD) January 30, 2023
The City of Rockville has announced that new speed cameras will be coming to 900 block of Veirs Mill Rd. The cameras will be installed around February 1, but citations will not begin being issued until March 1. Per Rockville: “In a continuing effort to reduce the number of speeding vehicles in Rockville neighborhoods, the Rockville City Police Department will begin deployment this month of speed monitoring systems in the 900 block of Veirs Mill Road, near the intersection with Gail Avenue.
The system will use portable cameras to monitor both eastbound and westbound traffic beginning on or about Feb. 1. While the system will be fully functional, citations will not be issued during February. Beginning March 1, citations will be issued for vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit by 12 mph or more. For more information, contact Socrates Yiallouros, RCPD’s photo/parking enforcement supervisor, at 240-314-8373 or [email protected].”
